What a sensory-friendly appointment looks like

A pediatric waiting room is a sensory assault. Fluorescent lights that hum, a television nobody chose, twelve other children, a fish tank pump, and an unpredictable wait of unknown length. For a child with autism, sensory processing differences, anxiety or a history of medical trauma, the appointment can be over before anyone has said hello.

None of the adjustments we make are expensive or clinically complicated. They mostly cost scheduling attention, which is why so few practices do them.

What we change

• The slot. First or last appointment of the day, when the waiting room is nearly empty.
• The wait. You wait in the car and we text your phone when the room is ready. Nobody sits in the waiting room.
• The light. Overhead fluorescents off, lamp light only.
• The sound. Noise-reducing headphones available in the room, and we keep our voices down.
• The room. The same room every time wherever the schedule allows, and the same nurse.
• The order. Blood draws and vaccines come last, never first. Blood pressure cuff last of the vitals, and only after we have shown it on a parent's arm.
• The warning. Nothing happens without being announced. No surprise otoscope.

The picture sequence

The day before the visit we send a short written or picture sequence to the portal showing exactly what will happen in order: park, text, walk in the side door, room four, weight, listen to chest, look in ears, done. For many children, knowing the shape of the appointment removes most of the fear.

If your child has a communication system, tell us at booking and bring it. We will use it.

How to ask

Say sensory-friendly appointment when you call, or send it through the portal. You do not need to explain your child's diagnosis or history to the front desk, and you do not need a diagnosis at all. The flag goes on the chart once and it stays there, so you never have to ask twice.

It is also fine to tell us a visit went badly. We would rather redesign the next one than have you avoid coming.

What we do not do

We do not hold children down for routine care if there is any other option, and we do not tell a child that something will not hurt when it will. Trust once spent is extremely expensive to buy back, and your child has a lot of appointments ahead of them.

If this is a medical emergency, or your child is struggling to breathe, unresponsive, having a seizure, or badly injured, call 911 now. Call 911.

General information, not medical advice. It is not tailored to your child and it does not replace a visit. Guidance changes. This article was last reviewed on the date shown above.